Disney Bus Fatally Hits Pedestrian

[Erika]

Thanks as always Erika - you do a great job, it's appreciated.

Thank you Steve, hope you guys are enjoying your holidays as well :kiss:

 

[rkelly42]

My condolences to the family as well as my thoughts and prayers to the driver. This is a very unfortunate accident, things like this happen and it is tragic. That poor bus driver must be going through a hard time as well and I feel for her. However this happened, it was an accident and hopefully everyone has the support they need.

 

[Phonedave]

Last year I might have been one of those people who was quick to blame Disney, but after continuously seeing how often guests disobey safety rules and have ill disregred for cast members, then I do put all the blame on the pedestrian. It was mentioned before, when people come on vacation, they think they are in "la la land." Disney World is a real place and its still in the real world. It has rules to insure the millions of people that pass through the gates every year are safe. But people have to take some personal responsibility. Disney doesn't need to be holding our hand, but the way some people act and think, it's almost getting to that point. I love Disney World, but I hate all of the ingnorant people it attracts.

While it is not WDW's fault they do encourage this way of thinking.

When you are on property, WDW goes out of their way to make it all special. Most of us (myself included) like this aspect of staying on property. It is the immersion, the non-stop themeing, and the total Disney experience that keeps us staying on property.

The problem is, you sort of loose that sense of what is real and what is not. I don't think many people stop, look both ways, and check for cars when crossing MSUSA. That attitude then follows people back to their resorts. When you are staying off property and you leave the hotel, you KNOW you are in a parking lot. It is not themed, it does not have Disney Characters on signs, and there is no background music.

When you go outside a WDW resort there is still themeing. However it is very much a real road and parking lot.

I think this is part of the reason people tend to exhibit such behavior as walking in front of busses or playing in the street.

WDW does try to adress it with signs, but of course those are all themed signs with cute lettering.

I know WDW wants to maintain their 'magical' image all over property. But it is hard to create a total atmosphere of 'magical fun' without having some people get too far into it.

Really it all comes down to being personally responsible, but some people get caught up in the 'magic' more than others. Short of smacking some people in the head, I am not sure how WDW can address it.


-dave

 

[Master Yoda]

While it is not WDW's fault they do encourage this way of thinking.

When you are on property, WDW goes out of their way to make it all special. Most of us (myself included) like this aspect of staying on property. It is the immersion, the non-stop themeing, and the total Disney experience that keeps us staying on property.

The problem is, you sort of loose that sense of what is real and what is not. I don't think many people stop, look both ways, and check for cars when crossing MSUSA. That attitude then follows people back to their resorts. When you are staying off property and you leave the hotel, you KNOW you are in a parking lot. It is not themed, it does not have Disney Characters on signs, and there is no background music.

When you go outside a WDW resort there is still themeing. However it is very much a real road and parking lot.

I think this is part of the reason people tend to exhibit such behavior as walking in front of busses or playing in the street.

WDW does try to adress it with signs, but of course those are all themed signs with cute lettering.

I know WDW wants to maintain their 'magical' image all over property. But it is hard to create a total atmosphere of 'magical fun' without having some people get too far into it.

Really it all comes down to being personally responsible, but some people get caught up in the 'magic' more than others. Short of smacking some people in the head, I am not sure how WDW can address it.


-dave

While what you say is true it seems to me like people simply ignore cars these days regardless of where they are. I can not tell you how many times I see people walk right in front of cars with out the first peek to the left or right. Last Thursday I watched a person walk right out into 3 lanes of busy downtown traffic without so much as a glance. She was inches away from a brutal death and was completely oblivious to it.

 

[MysticOrient]

While it is not WDW's fault they do encourage this way of thinking.

When you are on property, WDW goes out of their way to make it all special. Most of us (myself included) like this aspect of staying on property. It is the immersion, the non-stop themeing, and the total Disney experience that keeps us staying on property.

The problem is, you sort of loose that sense of what is real and what is not. I don't think many people stop, look both ways, and check for cars when crossing MSUSA. That attitude then follows people back to their resorts. When you are staying off property and you leave the hotel, you KNOW you are in a parking lot. It is not themed, it does not have Disney Characters on signs, and there is no background music.

When you go outside a WDW resort there is still themeing. However it is very much a real road and parking lot.

I think this is part of the reason people tend to exhibit such behavior as walking in front of busses or playing in the street.

WDW does try to adress it with signs, but of course those are all themed signs with cute lettering.

I know WDW wants to maintain their 'magical' image all over property. But it is hard to create a total atmosphere of 'magical fun' without having some people get too far into it.

Really it all comes down to being personally responsible, but some people get caught up in the 'magic' more than others. Short of smacking some people in the head, I am not sure how WDW can address it.


-dave

I totally agree with what you're saying, and you make an excellent point about walking down MSUSA or HS Backlot and walking right in the middle of the street. It's kind of funny; when we were there two weeks ago and walking down the center of the NY Street in DHS, my husband said, "I feel so weird walking in the middle of the street! They do such a great job making this feel like a 'real' street!"

However, as parents, and to your point about being "personally responsible", every time we were in a parking lot or other "high traffic" area, we kept saying to our 8-year old daughter, "Hold my hand -- remember, this is a parking lot -- watch where you're going -- be careful" and all those other "parental warnings".

 

[cowanfamily]

I totally agree with what you're saying, and you make an excellent point about walking down MSUSA or HS Backlot and walking right in the middle of the street. It's kind of funny; when we were there two weeks ago and walking down the center of the NY Street in DHS, my husband said, "I feel so weird walking in the middle of the street! They do such a great job making this feel like a 'real' street!"

However, as parents, and to your point about being "personally responsible", every time we were in a parking lot or other "high traffic" area, we kept saying to our 8-year old daughter, "Hold my hand -- remember, this is a parking lot -- watch where you're going -- be careful" and all those other "parental warnings".

I was there a month ago. I saw so many people, adults included, texting as walked right out into the streets. Head down paying no attention to the busses around the resorts. Texting has become a major problem on roadways.

 

[blm07]

I'm sorry to hear that this happened, especially this time of year.

While what you say is true it seems to me like people simply ignore cars these days regardless of where they are. I can not tell you how many times I see people walk right in front of cars with out the first peek to the left or right. Last Thursday I watched a person walk right out into 3 lanes of busy downtown traffic without so much as a glance. She was inches away from a brutal death and was completely oblivious to it.

This is exactly what I'm thinking. There are A LOT of people who seem to think it's ok to step in front of a moving vehicle. Not just at WDW, but anywhere, they don't even bother to look both ways. It's amazing to me. When I was young they really pounded it into your head to look both ways. Do they do that in schools anymore? Do parents tell this to their children? Do people think they should walk in front of a moving vehicle because they "have the right of way"?

Sometimes people think because I saw you, it's ok to keep walking, even if I have to put on my breaks. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd rather wait until either someone stops or there is a break in the traffic. I'm always aware if I am walking across a street, and I'm not gonna walk in front of a car unless it is stopped.

 

[Phonedave]

I'm sorry to hear that this happened, especially this time of year.



This is exactly what I'm thinking. There are A LOT of people who seem to think it's ok to step in front of a moving vehicle. Not just at WDW, but anywhere, they don't even bother to look both ways. It's amazing to me. When I was young they really pounded it into your head to look both ways. Do they do that in schools anymore? Do parents tell this to their children? Do people think they should walk in front of a moving vehicle because they "have the right of way"?

Sometimes people think because I saw you, it's ok to keep walking, even if I have to put on my breaks. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd rather wait until either someone stops or there is a break in the traffic. I'm always aware if I am walking across a street, and I'm not gonna walk in front of a car unless it is stopped.

We have a real problem around here with people who are of the mindset that it is their RIGHT to walk into the street. Yes, cars should stop for pedistrians in crosswalks, but there have been a number of times when I was driving down the street and people would walk right out in front of me - looking at me the entire time. I was once on a 35 MPH road doing 35 when a guy with his daughter (6 - 9 years old) walked right out, looking at me the entire time, and walked right in front of me. I had to skid to a stop to avoid hitting them. He just kept looking at me and crossing the street. His daughter seemed a bit upset.

If anyone has ever been in New Hampshire, the attitude up there is great. If you want to cross the street, you go to the curb and stand there. Traffic will stop. Not come to a screeching halt, but will safely stop. Then the people cross the street. Comming from NJ, it is amazing and refreshing to watch such common sense and courtesy in action.

-dave


-dave

 

[Master Yoda]

I'm sorry to hear that this happened, especially this time of year.



This is exactly what I'm thinking. There are A LOT of people who seem to think it's ok to step in front of a moving vehicle. Not just at WDW, but anywhere, they don't even bother to look both ways. It's amazing to me. When I was young they really pounded it into your head to look both ways. Do they do that in schools anymore? Do parents tell this to their children? Do people think they should walk in front of a moving vehicle because they "have the right of way"?

Sometimes people think because I saw you, it's ok to keep walking, even if I have to put on my breaks. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd rather wait until either someone stops or there is a break in the traffic. I'm always aware if I am walking across a street, and I'm not gonna walk in front of a car unless it is stopped.

I would venture to say no. It is a shame to as both drivers and pedestrians are more distracted than ever now. I beat the lesson it into my kids head, quite literally in one case, over and over again. I have no desire to get a call from a local hospital that starts with "Do you have a daughter named...."

 

[awilliams4]

I certainly don't know the details of this incident and while every situation is different. There is definitely an issue at WDW with the quality of people they are able to employ.

The only thing definitely at issue above is your grammer. Just take the first part of your 1st incorrect sentence and just stick with that. You don't know the details.

 

[awilliams4]

While it is not WDW's fault they do encourage this way of thinking.

When you are on property, WDW goes out of their way to make it all special. Most of us (myself included) like this aspect of staying on property. It is the immersion, the non-stop themeing, and the total Disney experience that keeps us staying on property.

The problem is, you sort of loose that sense of what is real and what is not. I don't think many people stop, look both ways, and check for cars when crossing MSUSA. That attitude then follows people back to their resorts. When you are staying off property and you leave the hotel, you KNOW you are in a parking lot. It is not themed, it does not have Disney Characters on signs, and there is no background music.

When you go outside a WDW resort there is still themeing. However it is very much a real road and parking lot.

I think this is part of the reason people tend to exhibit such behavior as walking in front of busses or playing in the street.

WDW does try to adress it with signs, but of course those are all themed signs with cute lettering.

I know WDW wants to maintain their 'magical' image all over property. But it is hard to create a total atmosphere of 'magical fun' without having some people get too far into it.

Really it all comes down to being personally responsible, but some people get caught up in the 'magic' more than others. Short of smacking some people in the head, I am not sure how WDW can address it.


-dave

Definitely don't agree here. Disney does not encourage people to be careless.

 

[s8film40]

The only thing definitely at issue above is your grammer. Just take the first part of your 1st incorrect sentence and just stick with that. You don't know the details.

Well if the only thing you can find wrong with my post is my grammar, then I guess you agree with me. Yeah, I don't really proofread posts on a message board too thoroughly, didn't think that was the point. If your looking for proper grammar I would suggest sticking to well written blogs and news sites. My grammar isn't the best but I think it's hardly the worst. Goood luc with your continuyd grammor checking of the forim:ROFLOL:

 

[Phonedave]

Definitely don't agree here. Disney does not encourage people to be careless.

They don't encourage people to be careless. That's an absurd statement.

Is this a better statement "They promote an atmosphere of safety and joy, and by doing so, guests are apt to let their guard down in situations where they would normaly be more vigilant"

Example. In the Underground, when a train pulls in, all you hear is "Mind the gap" over and over again.

Disney could easily impliment a audio loop so that when a bus is approaching a speaker at the stop plays a loop saying "Get back from the curb, there is a bus comming". That would suspend the "magic" of Disney. However it may soon become a necessity. (If this is implimented, I want some form of payment - are you listening TDC?)


-dave

 

[Monty]

They don't encourage people to be careless. That's an absurd statement.

Is this a better statement "They promote an atmosphere of safety and joy, and by doing so, guests are apt to let their guard down in situations where they would normaly be more vigilant"

Example. In the Underground, when a train pulls in, all you hear is "Mind the gap" over and over again.

Disney could easily impliment a audio loop so that when a bus is approaching a speaker at the stop plays a loop saying "Get back from the curb, there is a bus comming". That would suspend the "magic" of Disney. However it may soon become a necessity. (If this is implimented, I want some form of payment - are you listening TDC?)


-dave

Not sure this would have helped. The reporting isn't terribly specific, but the linked News 13 report says it happened in the parking lot, seemingly not at a stop. Unless they had a running bullhorn loop on every bus as it drove anywhere saying "Look out! I'm a bus, am bigger than you and don't stop on a dime!" :shrug:

 

[s8film40]

Not sure this would have helped. The reporting isn't terribly specific, but the linked News 13 report says it happened in the parking lot, seemingly not at a stop. Unless they had a running bullhorn loop on every bus as it drove anywhere saying "Look out! I'm a bus, am bigger than you and don't stop on a dime!" :shrug:

My thought was that this happened on a road adjacent to the parking lot. I can't imagine that the buses would actually be driving through a parking lot.

 

[wdwfan22]

UPDATE

By Susan Jacobson, Orlando Sentinel

A Massachusetts tourist was killed Sunday when he walked in front of a bus at Walt Disney World's Port Orleans resort, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

According to witnesses, Robert Krueger, 69, of Yarmouth Port, Mass., on Cape Cod, was walking alone when he stepped into the path of a Disney bus traveling through the parking lot of the resort about 5:50 p.m., said Sgt. Kim Montes, a Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman.

The front of the bus struck Krueger and knocked him to the ground, a report says.

He died at Orlando Regional Medical Center, Montes said.

The driver, Rosemary Kincaid, 57, of Lake Alfred, had passengers at the time of the accident. No injures were reported. Montes said she didn't know how many people were onboard.

The crash is under investigation, but Montes said charges were unlikely. Krueger was not in a crosswalk, and the bus had the right-of-way, the highway patrol said.

Walt Disney Resort President Meg Crofton issued a brief statement on the accident.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the guests' family and loved ones," the statement reads. "We are doing all we can for them during this difficult time."

Copyright © 2010, Orlando Sentinel

 

[gibsonc]

I am currently staying at Port Orleans Riverside and went to the south Depot bus stop (which serves the lobby/main building of Riverside) with the intention of catching a bus to Epcot. Based on the activity I saw in this area I believe this is where the accident happened.

This was a tragic accident for all concerned, family, driver and the families that would have certainly witnessed the accident based on the likely location.

 

[Computer Magic]

We have a real problem around here with people who are of the mindset that it is their RIGHT to walk into the street. Yes, cars should stop for pedistrians in crosswalks, but there have been a number of times when I was driving down the street and people would walk right out in front of me - looking at me the entire time. I was once on a 35 MPH road doing 35 when a guy with his daughter (6 - 9 years old) walked right out, looking at me the entire time, and walked right in front of me. I had to skid to a stop to avoid hitting them. He just kept looking at me and crossing the street. His daughter seemed a bit upset.

If anyone has ever been in New Hampshire, the attitude up there is great. If you want to cross the street, you go to the curb and stand there. Traffic will stop. Not come to a screeching halt, but will safely stop. Then the people cross the street. Comming from NJ, it is amazing and refreshing to watch such common sense and courtesy in action.

-dave


-dave

People today are more distracted. Walking and talking on a cell phone or texting. Not saying this person was doing this, but there are more people not paying attention to their surroundings.

 

[Duckberg]

I am currently staying at Port Orleans Riverside and went to the south Depot bus stop (which serves the lobby/main building of Riverside) with the intention of catching a bus to Epcot. Based on the activity I saw in this area I believe this is where the accident happened.

This was a tragic accident for all concerned, family, driver and the families that would have certainly witnessed the accident based on the likely location.

We are ALL sorry it happen Duckberg

 

[Phonedave]

My thought was that this happened on a road adjacent to the parking lot. I can't imagine that the buses would actually be driving through a parking lot.

I was on a ALK bus once and the driver told me (yeah, I know the credibility of that) that sometimes they cut through the parking lots at various resorts. It is 'frowned upon' (his words) but at times it is done. He told me this as he was going from Jambo House to Kidani via the parking lot.

Not saying it happend in this case, but just some food for thought.

There really is no way to automate a replacement for common sense. Somtimes common sense does slip. I am guilty of having my mind elsewhere at times - it happens to everyone, but the vast majority of the time I try to stay focused on what is going on around me. Who knows the mindset of the person who was killed. Maybe he was Mr. Safety, but this was the one time he was not thinking clearly. All it take is one mistake. Maybe he was walking to his car and thinking, do I have the reservation number for dinner with me just in case? Let me check in my pocket. A moments distraction and the wrong time is all that is required for an accident to happen.

-dave